# PDW Adds Autonomy to Huntsville AM Drones

Performance Drone Works (PDW) is integrating Booz Allen Hamilton mission-autonomy software and fleet-update capabilities into its Attritable Multirotor (AM) drone, with general availability expected in Q1 2027. The software is powered by Shield AI’s Hivemind autonomy technology. The announcement signals continued defense-market investment in autonomous, updateable small uncrewed aircraft, but identifies no government solicitation, award value, or procurement contact.

- For procurement teams, this is an announced product integration rather than an open government procurement opportunity; no contract value, solicitation number, or bid deadline is provided.
- Contractors and agency stakeholders evaluating small UAS capabilities can assess the planned autonomy and fleet-update functions as they become generally available in Q1 2027.
- The signal identifies potential follow-on integration with PDW’s C100 aircraft and production expansion at Drone Factory 01 in Huntsville, Alabama; interested firms can use these as areas to track for future market activity.

**Jurisdictions:** federal
**Industries:** Defense & Military, Information Technology
**Topics:** Artificial Intelligence, Digital Infrastructure
**Published:** October 13, 2026

### Government Entities
- Department of War

### Vendors
- Performance Drone Works (PDW) (Aircraft manufacturer integrating autonomy software)
- Booz Allen Hamilton (Mission-autonomy software and fleet-update product provider)
- Shield AI (Provider of Hivemind autonomy technology powering Booz Allen’s software)

### Key Quotes
> Through our work with Booz Allen, operators gain advanced autonomy at the point of decision and a faster path to updated fielded aircraft as missions change.
> — James Slider, CEO, Performance Drone Works

### Sources
- [PDW Adds Booz Allen Autonomy Technology to AM Drone](https://www.executivebiz.com/articles/pdw-booz-allen-autonomy-software-am-drones) - ExecutiveBiz